After many years of teaching skiing, being a business owner and holding public office, in 1988 Don joined Vail Associates Real Estate in Beaver Creek, which later merged with Slifer, Smith and Frampton Real Estate.

Now, with 20 years of experience, what he loves most about the real estate business is the friendships he has created with clients.

Don's second son Patrick joined his dad at Slifer, Smith and Frampton in 1998. "It has been wonderful to create a partnership in a business we both enjoy." Patrick is an avid fisherman and spends most of his free time chasing trout in our local streams, or fishing for Northern Pike in reservoirs throughout the state.

Don’s third son Case joined his dad and brother at Slifer, Smith and Frampton in 2006 after graduating from the University of Northern Colorado. “We are fortunate that we can sustain a great relationship, while working so closely together” Case is also an avid fisherman and spends a lot of time on the water with his brother Patrick. “We are lucky to live in such an amazing place, where our surroundings provide endless angling opportunities, among so many other outdoor activities.”

Don has been involved in the community since he arrived here in Vail. The list of his accomplishments are many: board member of the Vail Valley Medical Center, an elected Eagle County Commissioner, member of the Eagle County Planning Commission, board member of the Colorado River Water Conservation District, and a top producer with Slifer, Smith & Frampton Real Estate since 1988.

Don resides in the Lake Creek Valley with his wife, Shirley. They have three sons, Ryan, an electrical engineer on the Front Range; Patrick, Don’s partner in real estate; and Case, also their partner in real estate. When Don is not in the office, you can find him skiing, road-biking, enjoying a round of golf, or driving his sports car.